It is a reality that we can’t ignore the historical facts of the “Congau Suppression”. Being a child of indigenous parents and ancestors, I am aware.
However, since the coup d’état on April 12, 1980, natives have been at the fulcrum of governance in Liberia.
Even before the coup, the late President William R. Tolbert invested in many Liberian Natives educationally. Some of those same natives led the Rice Riot in 1979 and subsequently aligned with the PRC government after the late President Tolbert was overthrown.
From 1980, Liberia has been under 37 years of Natives dominance in government. What has been the impact? Nothing! The Samuel Doe government was one of the most corrupt governments in Liberia.
By then, it was the first government to receive the highest amount in foreign aid. After 10 years in power, the impact? Zero. We had transitional governments during the wartime that were headed by natives and had natives officials.
What did they do? The war was their excuse. Granted. Fast forward to Madam Sirleaf Government in 2005. The UP government has received the highest amount in foreign aid and investment. Madam Sirleaf appointments in government have favored natives to a very large extent.
And excuse me, the legislature since the 2005 elections have been dominated by natives.
We have had rotational native Speakers of the House of Representatives as well as the Pro-Tempores of the Senate. We have had a Native Vice President for twelve years. What has been the impact? Zero!
The point I am trying to put forward is simple: for 37 years in Liberia, Liberian Natives have been Liberian Natives problem. Natives were the ones who committed the most gruesome crimes against each other during the 14 years civil conflict.
In fact, Congaus were killed instantly because of the suppressive mentality the natives had. For the sake of tribal dominance, natives went at each other without any second thought. Where were the Congaus?
Oh, somebody will say Charles Taylor was a Congau man who brought the war. Who were his Generals and Commandos? Natives of course! Ninety percent of corruption indictments and allegations since 2005 and the ones stemming from the Doe Era is associated with Natives.
Even the so called young natives of recent who were given opportunities to study abroad and go back home to make a change have alluded to the status quo: Quote me, they are more corrupt and unconcerned about their fellow natives plight more than the Congaus were during the True Whig Party Era.
They form organizations and associations and only allow members of certain status and class. Was this not the same thing they criticized the Congaus for as it relates to the Mason?
To conclude, no Liberian should allow himself or herself to get convinced by this divisive native and congau stupidity. And those who are preaching this kind of politics, it just shows how limited they are intellectually.
And oops, if any of those who were sponsored with taxpayers’ money for foreign studies are preaching such divisive nonsense, there is a need for restitution of funds spent on them. We sent them to get educated to bring a change to the people daily lives, not petty rhetoric.
And you can quote me again: Anyone who claims to be educated and preaches such divisive politics is not really educated. In fact, they are not even qualified to serve in the position at which they sit currently.
The reason is, Liberia needs arguments and recommendation about policies that will create change and improvement in the lives of its people; not something to divide us.
And I am here. Anyone who wants to debate further can come. Bring it on!
But only idiots, and I repeat, only idiots will rely on such negative politics to convince voters.
There is no Native Liberian or Congau Liberian. We are all Liberians!!!! I rest my case.
Varney A. Teah, Contributing Writer
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